Borko 5-Ply Hinoki: My Dream Blade Has Arrived!
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Topic: Borko 5-Ply Hinoki: My Dream Blade Has Arrived!
Posted By: tommyzai
Subject: Borko 5-Ply Hinoki: My Dream Blade Has Arrived!
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 5:14pm
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Today I checked my Post Office Box and found a package from Borko. This blade is actually beyond what I dreamed of having. I never thought all the things I was looking for were possible in one blade: 1. 5-ply Hinoki (not single plate, which is thick and can easily break in half) 2. Oversized for my punch blocking game 3. Lightweight 4. Cork handle (straight) for feel, weight, and "talk." 5. One of a kind! Well, thanks to Borko . . . My Dream Has Come True. I am the proud owner of an oversized Hinoki 5-ply-ST at 74g made by the master . . . Borko!! Will I play with it or store it as a collector's Item? The wood is probably about 430 years old. Well . . . PLAY of course. This baby has magic in her. I feel it! I now have a lovely blade that Dr. Neubauer sent me and this gem from Borko. I believe my search has ended! I just wanted to share this with my friends at MYTT! http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/2/13/tommyzai/f_Borko501m_e37196e.gif&srv=img19">  http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/2/13/tommyzai/f_Borko502m_f150f70.gif&srv=img18">  http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/2/13/tommyzai/f_Borko503m_0c80dce.gif&srv=img18">  http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/2/13/tommyzai/f_Borko504m_1fc074e.gif&srv=img37">  http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/3/2/13/tommyzai/f_Borko505m_9fba3f9.gif&srv=img33">  ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Replies:
Posted By: ibupro
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 5:17pm
| sweet! |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 5:21pm
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. . . unless I switch to JPEN. :-). OH NO, the search would start up again!!!!!
------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: Yakult
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 5:34pm
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Congratulation! Its a beautiful blade and the handle looks so comfortable
------------- defense alpha bluefire m1 2.0 grass d.tecs ox |
Posted By: nashron
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 5:38pm
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wow .. does ur search really end? i can believe it.. ;) your blade inspires me to have a 2nd blade from borko, tq tommy. ------------- Now i use DHS Hking 655 but i miss my the moments i use dr neubaeur firewall plus. |
Posted By: nashron
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 5:41pm
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tommy, can u write a review about this blade compare to others blade u have after play with it?
------------- Now i use DHS Hking 655 but i miss my the moments i use dr neubaeur firewall plus. |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 6:13pm
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Sure!! I'll write a review as soon as I get a chance to glue up and hit with it. I can tell you this . . . after holding over a thousand blades in my hand it takes a lot to make me excited . . . this one really is everything I ever wanted in one blade based on appearances and feeling in my hand. Now, the real test . . .
------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: stan1551
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 6:18pm
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Tommy,
What is handle made of? Is it cork? Nevermind....should have red the description....oops...:) ------------- proud member of the (not so exclusive) EJ club |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 6:43pm
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Stan, No worries . . . yes . . . cork! It feels so good in the ol' hand. I should mention I requested a slightly top heavy blade. I find this helps me generate speed with my wrist shots. ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: mizutani_jun
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 8:11pm
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how much it cost,dude?
you make me want to buy one from borko.
did borko ship internationally?
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Posted By: aeoliah
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 8:27pm
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Tommy, nice blade ! Congratulations ! Please write a review, and please do me a favour by telling me what is the details you have given to Borko when you order the blade (your playing style, your requests etc). I am thinking of a new blade, and after having your review, I might be tempted to buy one in penhold version. Mizutani_Jun, Borko can ship anywhere, so you can go ahead to buy one (or more ?) ------------- Member of the Single Ply Hinoki Club Viscaria Super ALC C-Pen Rasanter C48 |
Posted By: stan1551
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 8:28pm
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Oh...Another thing I wanted to ask. Can you or somebody make a comparison in between Borko blade and American Hinoki blade? I am not sure such person even exists who tried both, but what the heck I will give it a shot..... ------------- proud member of the (not so exclusive) EJ club |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 11:52pm
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I'll try my best to give a good review ASAP. I just sealed it and will give it a day to harden before gluing up. ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: GenomicsKnight
Date Posted: 02/13/2009 at 11:54pm
Would this be your secret weapon when you play Adham? ------------- CEO, Single Ply Hinoki Club TSP Dynam 10.5mm and other fine 1-ply Kiso Hinoki blades |
tommyzai wrote:Posted By: acer800
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 12:04am
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waitt is adham the ittf president? 0_O ------------- You want A PERSONAL WEBSITE FOR SUPER CHEAP? http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22979&PN=1#269260 - http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22979&PN=1#269260 |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 12:52am
YEP!! Oh, my blade is priceless. I can't put a value on it, and if I told you how much I bought if for you'd report me to Obama for obscene spending during a recession. ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: LOOPMEISTER
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 12:56am
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That's a nice looking blade. I'm not normally a fan of those kinds of cork handles, but I have to say that looks pretty cool.
And you can't beat a 5-ply Hinoki for all around table tennis fun. |
Posted By: stiltt
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 1:29am
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It is such a beautiful blade. Please describe what you feel when playing it. I imagine a very soft and controlled short game with a lot of flex (in addition of softness) for looping. It might be a looper's and hitter's dream. Can't wait to read about it!!! ------------- /forum/topic91512_page1.html#1124698" rel="nofollow - sales - forum_posts.asp?TID=19315" rel="nofollow - feedback |
Posted By: holda
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 3:25am
| tommy,what are the other 3 wood veneers?outer 2 are hinokies,i saw.do you have an idea?it the blades is in high 70-s,so may bbe there is balsa wood? |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 11:32am
It's ALL hinoki!!! ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: mizutani_jun
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 11:45am
| how much it cost,dude? |
Posted By: venacious
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 1:08pm
| I have never purchased a Borko blade but to my knowledge all Borko custom made blades are 150 dollars. |
Posted By: johnny89atc
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 2:03pm
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Congratulations for your new blade Tommy! I hope it will serve you well.
------------- Blade: OSP Virtuoso-L RST 87gr FH: Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX 2.1 BH: Butterfly Tenergy 05 1.9 |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 3:40pm
I'll let you guys know when I get the bill. I'm sure it will be over $150, which is the price for Borko's standard custom blades. I'll brace myself and hope he goes easy on me. ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: Ma Long
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 10:53pm
| Congratulation. You got your dreamed blade. |
Posted By: robjkc
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 11:01pm
Maybe you could ask him about a sponsorship deal  Bye the way, great looking blade. I really the head shape as well. ------------- http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29545&KW=&PID=356337#356337" rel="nofollow - my feedback |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/14/2009 at 11:39pm
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Sponsorship? Now you're talkin'!!! ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: BeaverMD
Date Posted: 02/17/2009 at 3:59pm
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Tommy, I'm really excited for your new acquisition. Usually, when I test rubber sheets, I use a 5-ply Hinoki, Korbel and a carbon blade. It would be interesting to see how the Borko 5-ply Hinoki compares to other commercial 5-ply Hinokis and even one-plys. Happy playing.
|
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/17/2009 at 4:02pm
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I played with it last night and have one word to say . . .
WOW!! I'll post up a proper review later or b� tomorrow. ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: GenomicsKnight
Date Posted: 02/17/2009 at 4:35pm
Please compare it to 7P-2A (I seem to remember you owned one before, right?). ------------- CEO, Single Ply Hinoki Club TSP Dynam 10.5mm and other fine 1-ply Kiso Hinoki blades |
Posted By: pongcrazy
Date Posted: 02/17/2009 at 5:13pm
Yeah, and he had several Septears also. Not sure if he played with any though.
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Posted By: Skyline
Date Posted: 02/17/2009 at 5:55pm
| looks like the dima sawtech. Waiting for your review. |
Posted By: nashron
Date Posted: 02/18/2009 at 9:24am
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few weeks ago i test my fren's 'hado' the 9 ply hinoki... very fast with gud feeling... how is ur borko 5 ply hinoki? we are waiting to here ur complete review :)
------------- Now i use DHS Hking 655 but i miss my the moments i use dr neubaeur firewall plus. |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/18/2009 at 12:17pm
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It was very difficult for me to let go of my original Borko blade as I played so well with it. But, the new Borko hinoki blade plays very similar and it has two features I prefer . . . it's oversized and I like the smell. :-). I'll give a proper review later tonight if I can. Thanks for being patient!! I want to hit with it one more time before putting it in print. ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 02/20/2009 at 1:24am
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I can make comparisons as I've owned (briefly in most cases) nearly every blade made during the past few years, but keep in mind I play an unconventional game. I cannot do the big floor to ceiling salute kind of loops. At best I can brush and drive. I mostly angle+punch block and smash. I'm not the best to review because of these reasons, but I'll do my best to give you my skewed impressions. The Borko 5-Ply Hinoki has the following playing qualities that I value in a blade: 1. GEARS: Yes, it has at least two. The blade is soft enough to play up close with nice touch and control, yet when you need the power . . . BANG!! You put the ball away. 2. POWER+CONTROL: The power is certainly in the hinoki and this is amplified by the LARGE sweet spot BORKOs created by using his secret gluing method and supreme craftsmanship. The same may be said about the touch/feel and control; however, I'm sure some of this is due to the cork handle. The lightweight handle also creates a slight head-heaviness that aids in the players ability to generate bat speed. 3. LOOK: It simply has a timeless, classic look with lovely grains. 4. FEEL: It's very comfortable in my hand. You can't beat the cork handle. I'm sure it will look ugly soon, but that's okay with me! 5. WEIGHT: It's unbelievably light, but SOLID unlike some of the flimsy lightweight blades out there. I had no problem blocking the hardest drives. 6. FLEX: Well, I'd rate it as medium. It has enough to help with spin and stiff enough to help with blocking game. Perhaps this blade has a bit more dwell than most Hinokis . . . certainly more than 1-plies. :-). If I had to compare this blade to any I've used it would be the 7p-2a-7t, but with more control and a little less speed. It's certainly more solid than the Nittaku Septear and some of the other lightweight 5-ply Hinokis out there. I think it's a lot like the one-plies, but with the low gear added. THIS BLADE "TALKS." . . . and I can hear it saying, "You can do it Tommy Zai!" THANK YOU BORKO!!!! ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |
Posted By: monkey401
Date Posted: 03/02/2009 at 4:31pm
| Yea, I have a 5-ply Hinoki Blade from Borko too (same replica that he uses himself). It's great, has a lot of gears, puts massive spin on the ball and has greatly impressed me. My blade probably has better balance (for my taste) since it's less head heavy (non-cork handle). Overall, I'm very pleased with the blade and was considering selling it due to an arm injury. I'm still debating about it, since it's seriously a masterpiece. |
Posted By: stiltt
Date Posted: 03/02/2009 at 4:35pm
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http://mytabletennis.net/Forum/member_profile.asp?PF=3724&FID=24 - monkey401 : pictures maybe?
------------- /forum/topic91512_page1.html#1124698" rel="nofollow - sales - forum_posts.asp?TID=19315" rel="nofollow - feedback |
Posted By: tommyzai
Date Posted: 07/01/2009 at 2:59pm
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OH NO, I fear this lovely blade will become a casualty of my inevitable switch to penholder. Pack it away? Cut it down to size? OH NO!! ------------- For More Info, PM or Email me: [email protected] |